City reviews public‑private partnership operations, marina progress and waterpark outlook

At a March 17 council session, Parks and Recreation staff and private operators updated councilors on the status of major public–private partnership contracts that operate city recreational assets.

Jackie Gossett (Parks and Recreation) reminded council that staff is reviewing six partnership agreements overseen by the department and summarized lease terms and recent payments: Matthew Southwest (operating Tribute golf clubs and the Marina Park) pays 2% of gross revenue with a $50,000 minimum payment due each July; Hawaiian Waters pays 6% of gross revenue and recently remitted a payment in the low $300,000s; the Athletic Club has a 2% gross‑revenue lease with a $75,000 minimum. Gossett said all operators are current and in compliance.

Christian Teleki of Matthew Southwest reported progress on the Tribute marina and recent site improvements including a revised trailhead and parking aprons to reduce storm runoff. He said SunTek will open a tenant business in July and described a proposed training facility for 2026 that would provide year‑round practice space for members.

Kyle Taylor, general manager of Hawaiian Waters, said weather cost the park roughly 20 operational days last season—about a half‑million dollars in lost revenue—and that the park hopes for a drier summer. Taylor said the company employs 13 full‑time staff and roughly 300–350 seasonal workers, and projects attendance around 145,000 for 2026. He also described recruitment challenges for youth seasonal hires and retention bonuses for leadership roles.

Eric Warner of the Athletic Club reported stabilization and growth in 2025, noting an increase in site visits from approximately 330,000 to 385,000 per Placer AI reports, and outlined the Athletic Club Foundation's role in subsidizing youth sport participation. Warner said the club is pursuing phase 2 and 3 development contingent on partnership funding and expects to move forward with additional fields and parking within the next 18–24 months.

Council members asked operational questions about slip counts at the marina and dredging (no dredging required at present), workforce needs, and how revenues translate into the city's lease payments. Staff said they will continue monitoring compliance and return with any needed follow‑up items.